ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on health education in improving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and anthropometric parameters in T2DM individuals. Methods This pilot study was conducted from February to May 2023 in a basic health unit (BHU) in Brazil. 15 participants with T2DM participated in the study. The participants received health education as part of the intervention. HbA1c, capillary glucose, and body composition parameters were measured. The chi-square and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results The educational intervention reduced HbA1c levels and fat mass and increased lean mass. However, no significant differences were detected in the other variables. Discussion These findings highlight the positive impact of the intervention on the metabolic and cardiovascular health of the participants. Translation to Health Education Practice This study follows the competencies of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The health education, with illustrative materials, and team training could be applied in other locations as an alternative to avoid complications and worsening of the DM2.

ABSTRACT Background U.S. adults with disabilities face higher mental health challenges and barriers to care. Limited evidence exists on how treatment, unmet needs, and barriers intersect. Purpose To identify factors associated with mental health treatment, unmet needs, and barriers to care among U.S. adults with disabilities. Methods Data from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 37,214; weighted N = 48.7 million) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models examined correlates of past-year mental health treatment utilization and unmet needs. Barriers were analyzed descriptively among those reporting unmet need (n = 6,923). Results Among individuals with disabilities, 28.9% reported receiving treatment in the past year, and 12.1% reported unmet needs. Women (AOR = 1.54), young adults aged 18–25 (AOR = 4.35), those with depression (AOR = 4.73), and alcohol abuse (AOR = 1.43) had greater odds of treatment receipt; similar patterns were seen for unmet need (all p’s < .05). Cost (47.2%) was the most reported barrier. Discussion Disparities in mental health care persist among minoritized racial/ethnic groups, younger individuals, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Translation to Health Education Practice Health educators can address disparities by promoting affordable care, supporting service navigation, and designing culturally responsive, literacy-informed interventions.

ABSTRACT Although programs such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) have been implemented nationwide, participation rates remain low among many population groups. This commentary addresses this issue by applying the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence to examine practical barriers and opportunities for improving engagement in diabetes prevention. Using the model’s 12 domains, we explore ways to improve program relevance and accessibility. Key considerations involve showing respect for health-related beliefs, recognizing heterogeneity within and across groups, and considering the overarching factors that shape behavior. To strengthen the impact and reach of programs like the NDPP, we recommend tailoring educational materials to meet the needs of specific populations, partnering with community organizations, and building a public health workforce that is well-prepared and drawn from the communities it serves.

ABSTRACT Background Cervical cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in women, and improving health literacy is key to prevention. However, a validated, disease-specific assessment tool for cervical cancer literacy in Persian has been lacking. Purpose To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of C-CLAT. Methods This methodological study was conducted in 2025 with 400 women in Tehran. Following translation and back-translation, content and face validity were assessed. Construct validity was examined via Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (EFA, CFA) and known-groups comparison. EFA used the Scree plot, Kaiser criterion, parallel analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Data were analyzed using SPSS v16 and EQS v6.4. Results The mean CVI was 0.95 and all CVR values exceeded 0.62. EFA revealed a three-factor structure – prevention/control, screening/knowledge, and awareness – explaining 45.36% of variance, confirmed by CFA (e.g. RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.91). No significant age-related differences emerged, but scores varied by education. The tool showed strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81; ICC = 0.97). Discussion The Persian C-CLAT is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing cervical cancer literacy in Iranian women, supporting its use in educational planning and health promotion initiatives. Translation to Health Education Practice Assessment of cervical cancer literacy is a critical component of primary prevention and plays an essential role in designing and implementing intervention for mitigating the rising absolute burden of the disease. Focusing on the first domain of health education specialists’ responsibilities, this study develops and validates a reliable instrument to serve this purpose.

ABSTRACT Background US adults with disabilities report elevated rates of depression and chronic health conditions influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Purpose To examine how body mass index (BMI), chronic health conditions, and sociodemographic factors influence depression among US adults with disabilities. Methods Data from the 2020–2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 305,633) were analyzed using logistic regression, moderated mediation, and machine learning to evaluate predictors of depression. Results Logistic regression showed increased depression odds associated with higher BMI categories (OR = 1.084–1.497), asthma (OR = 1.567), angina (OR = 1.148), heart attack (OR = 1.067), cognitive disability (OR = 4.089), and female sex (OR = 1.799). Conversely, older age (OR = 0.473), higher income (OR = 0.904), and self-employment (OR = 0.895) were associated with lower odds of depression. Moderated mediation showed significant BMI effects on depression mediated by chronic health conditions, with more substantial effects among females. The machine learning identified cognitive disability (66.7%) and age (15.0%) as leading predictors. Discussion Biopsychosocial factors influence depression, with cognitive impairments and socioeconomic disadvantage further compounding vulnerability. Translation to Health Education Practice Health education interventions must integrate obesity management, chronic health care, sex disparities, and disability accommodations to mitigate depression.

ABSTRACT Background Telehealth is a transformative tool for expanding healthcare access, yet population-level data on its use among people with disabilities are limited. Purpose To examine the national prevalence, associated factors, and motivations for telehealth utilization among U.S. adults with disabilities. Methods Data was drawn from the 2024 Health Information National TrendsSurvey (HINTS 7; n = 6,854). Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between disability type, sociodemographics, healthcare-related factors, and substance use and telehealth utilization. Self-reported reasons for choosing telehealth were also examined descriptively. Results 27.1% of U.S. adults reported at least one disability, including 5.7% with hearing, 7.3% with vision, 12.7% with mobility, and 18.0% with chronic pain-related disabilities. 44.5% of adults with disabilities reported past-year telehealth utilization, with higher rates across all disability types except hearing. Utilization was positively associated with higher education, sexual minoritized identity, internet use, and electronic cigarette use. Common motivations included provider recommendation (27.6%) and convenience (19.1%). Discussion Findings highlight variation in telehealth utilization by disability type, structural and behavioral factors, and the critical role of healthcare providers. Translation to Health Education Practice Health educators should incorporate disability-specific needs and tailored strategies into educational initiatives and service delivery to advance equitable telehealth for individuals with disabilities.

ABSTRACT Background Healthy dietary behaviors at an early age require a well-structured educational framework. Yet Nutrition and Health Education (NHE) teachers are often not well-prepared to support the development of such a framework. It is therefore critical to build research capacity on teacher preparedness. Methods This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The systematic review included studies from 2010 to 2024. The keywords used during the search included “Nutrition Education,” “Nutrition Education Interventions,” “Dietary Behavior,” “Healthy Living,” “Teacher Preparedness,” and “Research Capacity.” Findings A total of 16 articles were selected for analysis from an initial pool of 328. The findings reveal that research capacity building in NHE is multi-level, containing system, organization, workforce, and community levels. Teacher preparedness research is also recommended to focus on three core areas of preparedness knowledge: subject matter knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and cognitive process knowledge. Translation to Health Education Practices The systematic review proposes key areas for consideration in developing teacher preparedness for NHE. Counclusion Teachers are encouraged to actively engage in capacity-building research on NHE.

ABSTRACT Background Increasing college students’ use of clinical sexual health services may help improve health outcomes. Purpose Guided by Andersen’s Model of Healthcare Utilization (AMHU), we examined how predisposing, enabling and need factors influenced sexual health service utilization behaviors among college students in a southeastern state. Methods College students enrolled at a large, southeastern university were recruited for across-sectional, survey study regarding their use of clinical sexual health services. Logistic regression was conducted to investigate the relationship between AMHU factors and sexual health service utilization behaviors. Results/Discussion Findings suggest that need factors, one’s awareness of where sexual health services are available (enabling factor), gender, state of residency, and sexual health knowledge (predisposing factors) may be the strongest predictors of college students seeking sexual health services. Translation to Health Education Practice Health Education professionals should consider incorporating these AMHU factors into educational programming, health services, and awareness campaigns to increase sexual health service utilization by college students. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

ABSTRACT Background Immigrant informal (family, friend, and neighbor) caregivers play a critical role in the development of young children but face unique barriers that contribute to health disparities. Culturally adapted, community-based health education is needed to support this population. Purpose To examine the feasibility of implementing an adapted health promotion program, Culture of Wellness in Preschools (COWP), for immigrant informal caregivers. Method A convergent parallel mixed methods feasibility study was conducted. Pre-/post-surveys were completed by 41 caregivers caring for 46 children, and 52 caregivers participated in focus groups. Quantitative analysis assessed changes in health behaviors, and focus groups were analyzed using a phenomenological approach guided by a dissemination and implementation (D&I) framework. Results The program was deemed acceptable and appropriate, with high completion rates and statistically significant increases in caregivers’ water consumption (B = .45; p < .01) and physical activity (B = 1.44; p = .01) and children’s water consumption (B = .26; p = .02). Discussion The adapted program was feasible and effective in improving health behaviors for immigrant informal caregivers and the children in their care. Translation to Practice Future health education efforts should leverage implementation science to tailor programs and promote well-being among informal caregivers and children. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

ABSTRACT Background Chronic conditions such as nephrolithiasis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) require ongoing self-management and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence and complications. Purpose This pilot study examined how culturally appropriate health education materials impact patient satisfaction and understanding in a diverse, safety-net hospital population. Methods Using a quasi-experimental design, 152 participants were enrolled, with 102 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. The intervention group received tailored educational handouts in their preferred language at a 6th-grade reading level while the control group received standard of care. Results Results showed significantly higher patient satisfaction in the intervention group compared to controls for overall care rating (U = 858.0, p < .001) and understanding of next care steps (U = 1275.0, p < .001). Among a subpopulation of intervention participants (n = 36), 100% reported that educational materials were helpful for understanding their disease process. Discussion These findings demonstrate that health education interventions can significantly enhance patient experience, support self-management behaviors, and contribute to chronic disease prevention in diverse populations. Translation to Health Education Practice Effective patient education serves as a primary prevention strategy by empowering patients to adopt healthier behaviors and manage chronic conditions effectively.